Johnny Carson: King of Late Night and Host of The Tonight Show Dies at 7

January 23, 2005

Johnny Carson was an American television host who led The Tonight Show for 30 years. Born on October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa, he grew up in Nebraska, served in the Navy, and started as a radio and television announcer.

Carson took over The Tonight Show from Jack Paar in 1962 and hosted until May 1992. He won six Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993. His monologues and characters like Carnac the Magnificent shaped American comedy.

He was married four times and had three sons. He retired from public life after leaving the show. Carson died of emphysema at his home in Malibu, California, on January 23, 2005, at age 79.

Achievements: Six Emmys, Peabody Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom (1992), Kennedy Center Honors (1993).

Birth: October 23, 1925 - Corning, Iowa.

Profession: Television host and comedian.

Interesting Facts: His 1992 final broadcast drew about 50 million viewers.